How Do I Know If My MTG Card is Legal in Commander?
Magic: The Gathering’s Commander format is a popular and dynamic way to play the game, but it can be overwhelming for new players to navigate the rules and ensure that their cards are legal. In this article, we’ll break down the key points to help you determine if your MTG card is legal in Commander.
The Basics
In Commander, the card pool consists of all regulation-sized Magic cards publicly released by Wizards of the Coast, excluding Silver-bordered or Acorn cards, and cards specifically banned in Commander. This means that you can use any card that is not marked with a silver border or an acorn-shaped security stamp, and has not been explicitly banned by the Commander Rules Committee.
Mana Color Identity
One of the key rules in Commander is the mana color identity rule. This rule states that you can only use cards in your deck that are in the same color as your commander’s mana cost. For example, if your commander’s mana cost is 1W, you can only use cards that have W in their mana cost.
Banned Cards
The Commander Rules Committee regularly updates the banned list, which includes cards that are considered too powerful or unbalanced for the format. If a card is banned, it is no longer legal to play in Commander. You can check the banned list on the official Magic: The Gathering website.
Unbanned Cards
On the other hand, some cards are unbanned, which means they are legal to play in Commander again. When a card is unbanned, it is removed from the banned list and can be played in decks.
Edgar Markov and Paradox Engine
Two cards that have been particularly significant in the Commander format are Edgar Markov and Paradox Engine. Edgar Markov was banned in 2019 due to its ability to generate an infinite amount of mana, making it extremely powerful and unbalanced. Paradox Engine, on the other hand, was banned due to its ability to generate an infinite amount of tokens, also making it too powerful for the format.
Hullbreacher
Recently, Hullbreacher was banned due to its ability to generate an infinite amount of life and card advantage. The Commander Rules Committee determined that this card was too powerful and unbalanced for the format.
How to Check if a Card is Legal
So, how do you check if a card is legal in Commander? Here are some steps you can follow:
- Check the card’s border: If the card has a silver border, it is not legal in Commander.
- Check the card’s mana cost: Make sure the card’s mana cost is in the same color as your commander’s mana cost.
- Check the card’s banned status: Check the official Magic: The Gathering website to see if the card is banned in Commander.
- Check the card’s unbanned status: Check the official Magic: The Gathering website to see if the card has been unbanned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining if a card is legal in Commander can seem overwhelming, but by following these simple steps, you can ensure that your cards are legal and ready to play. Remember to always check the card’s border, mana cost, banned status, and unbanned status before adding it to your deck. Happy drafting!